Giants add another import with arrival of Banks

Manchester Giants have added a third American to their roster with the signing of 6ft 7in power forward, Isaac Banks.

The 23-year-old goes straight into contention for this weekend’s double header away at Leicester Riders, which is live on FreeSports TV on Saturday evening, and Esh Group Eagles Newcastle on Sunday - the Giants’ first home game of 2018.

A native of New Orleans, Banks is in his first season as a professional having graduated from East Tennessee State University.

Giants' coach, Danny Byrne said: “We have had our eye on Isaac for a while and we are delighted to have the opportunity to bring him to the UK. To be able to add him and Jack Crook to the roster gives us a real boost for the second half of the season.”

Banks is another player that coach Byrne and his backroom staff have worked hard to identify, and he joins fellow rookies Austin Rettig and David Kadiri on the Giants roster.

Banks himself said: "It’s been a long wait, I’m happy to be finally out here. I’m humbled to have the opportunity to come and play with the Giants.

"The two guys (Austin and David) as soon as I walked in they welcomed me like I was their brother, and I was respect them for that and I feel we are going to have a great rest of the season together.”

There is now three games in seven days for the Giants - which also includes a home game against Leeds Force live on BBC Sport next Friday evening.

The signing of Crook was announced prior to last week’s hard-fought loss at Sheffield Sharks.

A full feature interview with Isaac Banks, and fellow new signing Jack Crook, will be in the Giants Gameday Magazine, available at both the Newcastle and Leeds Force home games.